Review: Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Indonesia

Indonesia's 4th Four Points hotel, at Tunjungan Plaza Surabaya, opened in 2016 with 293 guestrooms and suites. It is part of the massive shopping mall with six sub-sections (referred to as TP 1 to 6) located about 20 kilometres from Surabaya's Juanda International Airport. Everything that guests may possibly need is well within reach (during retail hours, that is) with 500 retail, F&B and entertainment outlets available. And with several corporate offices housed within the area, it might be exceptionally well-located for business travellers just as much as those travelling for leisure.

City view from an upper floor of the Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya

Hotel signage outside Tunjungan Plaza Surabaya

One of the newer parts of Tunjungan Plaza Surabaya

The hotel can be accessed from its entrance adjacent to the Sogo department store. Guests must first pass through a security checkpoint with luggage screening before entering the conceige on the upper ground (UG) level. From there, guests can take the elevator up to the lobby (level L), where the hotel's all-day dining venue (Lime Restaurant), bar (Best Brews) and swimming pool are also located.

Hotel concierge

Seating area on UG floor

Check-in was efficient and Sandra who served me instantly recognised that I had performed a mobile check-in before arriving. Blue key cards were handed, and I was quickly ushered back to the elevators to proceed upstairs.

The hotel lobby, with the Best Brews bar on the right

The Best Brews bar offers views of the pool

Guestrooms are located on levels 10 to 22, with designated smoking and non-smoking floors. Deluxe and Premium rooms are available, the latter being larger at 40 square metres (sqm) instead of 28 sqm. The Premier Suite stands at 53 sqm; while it does come with a living area and some extra space, it is not really a full suite in the strict sense, because the bedroom is not physically separated from the other areas. In any case, 29 of them are available, and I was privileged to be staying at one of them on a high floor.

The corridor of level 21

The suite was fitted with blue carpets, which really brought a touch of vibrance to the space. A rather notable feature was the wooden shelf which divides the living area from the bed area. Other than housing a refrigerator and coffee amenities on the lower compartments, the shelf also comes with two identical 43-inch television screens, one on each side. For a short while, I wondered about the possibility of having just one television fixed on a rotating stand, since having both televisions functioning simultaneously will likely deteriorate the audio experience for both sides. In any case, at least by virtue of television count, it is indeed a suite rather than a standard guestroom.

Living area of the Premier Suite

The television shelf separates the living area and the bed

Because of the particular location of this suite, and with the benefit of full length windows, guests can actually see the other side of the floor. Guests may wish to draw the curtains for privacy in such rooms, although the night view without curtains is also a nice sight.

A work desk

Night view from level 21

The bathroom comes with a bathtub and separate shower. Toiletries were provided as the traditional miniature plastic versions, although this is currently in the process of being phased out in the interest of sustainability across all Marriott properties.

Bathroom

Bathtub and shower

A 24-hour fitness centre can be found on level 9. It is reasonably well equipped, and guests into weight training will appreciate the Smith machine from Life Fitness in addition to the set of dumbbells on a padded area.

Fitness centre with a padded area for free weights

Cardio machines at the fitness centre

A dip in the swimming pool on level L is also a great complement to a workout if the weather permits. There is a poolside bar service available.

Swimming pool with poolside bar service

On the same level as the fitness centre is the hotel's business centre, or perhaps more aptly a business corner, which is simply a large desk fitted with two desktop computers and a printer. This corner overlooks the hotel's front desk. It was highly functional, and I had used it to print the boarding pass for my subsequent flight.

Business centre with desktop computers and printer

In the middle of the night, I had succumbed to a tingling tempetation to order in-room dining from the late night menu. I eventually found myself with a Nasi Goreng Kampung (local fried rice in traditional style), which was delivered in less than half an hour. A side of fresh cut fruits was provided complimentary as part of an ongoing offer applicable for each ala carte order. The presentation and taste were great, although a minor observation was that because the plate was wrapped with plastic, the heat from the rice had caused condensation on the inside surface. Perhaps the use of a lid with vents would have reduced the loss of crunch to the keropok (deep fried crackers).

Nasi Goreng Kampung with side of fresh cut fruits

The buffet breakfast was set at the beautiful Lime Restaurant on level L, which provided a great experience to dine at; the glass windows also provided great natural lighting even if there was not much of a view. A taste of the local culture was on offer through the local Indonesian dishes, such as Rawon (dark coloured beef soup) and several stations by the side. The egg station had more than the usual omelette, scrambled and sunny side up variants - eggs benedict, poached eggs and local omelette was also available.

Interior of Lime Restaurant

Breakfast spread

A balanced diet (hopefully)

It is worth mentioning that the Sheraton Surabaya Hotel & Towers is also located within the Tunjungan Plaza complex. To avoid any potential confusion, I would suggest referring to the Four Points by Sheraton as simply "Four Points" when communicating with taxi drivers. In any case, they are just a short walk from each other. The difference between the Sheraton and the Four Points is that the former is the "premium" segment (thus affording additional facilities such as a club lounge), while the latter is in the "select" segment of Marriott's portfolio. Also, the former is a Marriott Bonvoy category 2 property, while the latter is a very affordable category one property.

Accordingly, the Four Points requires just 7,500 points for a standard rate redemption night, which is tremendous value if you score an upgrade to the Premier Suite. A great alternative is the Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Pakuwon Indah some 11 kilometres away, which is even newer having just opened its doors in December 2019, and also located at a major shopping mall with direct access.

Exterior of the Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya; the lights on the facade change colours at night

Overall, it was a very enjoyable stay that felt like a 5-star experience in many aspects. The location being part of a major shopping complex is a major plus point, as was the hotel's fairly recent completion which gives its new and modern look. The factor that can possibly seal the deal is the high standard of service, and I also appreciated the sweet gesture of a desert tray as a welcome gift for loyalty members - I guess an ordinary guest would enjoy at least one of the six items in the platter, excluding the jam/syrup, as I did.

Sweet treats as part of loyalty recognition

Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya is located at Jalan Embong Malang 25-31, Surabaya 60261, Indonesia.